The Maui Film Festival's Celestial Cinema venue on the Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Course allows patrons to watch movies under the stars. It's lit by the moon and powered (literally) by the sun. / Randy Jay Braun

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

Only a select few will attend Sunday's Academy Awards, but we can all be movie insiders. Film festivals introduce us to unknown movies, says Monika Skerbelis and Rona Edwards, authors of The Complete Filmmaker's Guide to Film Festivals (Michael Wiese Productions, $26.95). Festivals "are a great option to see movies that they may not see anywhere else," Edwards says. The co-authors share favorite lesser-known fests with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Miami International Film Festival

Florida

A week after the Oscars, filmmakers will head to South Florida for a festival that focuses on global cinema. This year, films from 41 countries will screen, and several competitions focus on Latin America and Latino-themed entries. "You're likely to see films from Portugal, the Caribbean and Spanish-speaking countries," Skerbelis says. March 1-10. 305-237-3456; miamifilmfestival.com

Shortfest

Palm Springs, Calif.

Shorts - movies usually lasting from one to 40 minutes - often get overlooked in the big-budget film world. But this resort city puts them in the spotlight with an annual festival, which includes screenings of animated films, documentaries and live-action narratives. The desert oasis attracts Hollywood talent who participate in panels, workshops and events. "There are so many filmmakers down there. The parties are fun," Skerbelis says. June 18-24. psfilmfest.org

Sun Valley Film Festival

Idaho

Though this celebrity-studded event takes place in a ski resort and has major sponsors, it's still small and low-key. This year's festival, March 14-17, features a free coffee talk with actress Jodie Foster. "They definitely get some major stars, there's money there, and it's set in a mountain town," Edwards says. "It's a little more secluded, and not as crowded as Sundance," the high-profile film festival in Park City, Utah. sunvalleyfilmfestival.org

Sidewalk Moving picture Festival

Birmingham, Ala.

Movies with a connection to the South take center stage at this summer fete that is earning a national reputation. This year, some films will be tied to the 50th anniversary of key events of the civil rights movement. "That's cool, and they have some interesting panels going on as well," Skerbelis says. Like many festivals, Sidewalk also offers programs throughout the year. Aug. 23-25. 205-324-0888; sidewalkfest.com

Maui Film Festival

Hawaii

Celebrities love this event known for its aloha spirit. "You can go to movies and wear flip-flops, and they show films under the stars," Skerbelis says. The five-day festival, running June 12-16, screens 50 films, and it features food-related events, including one focused on chocolate. 808-579-9244; mauifilmfestival.com

Silverdocs Documentary Festival

Silver Spring, Md.

Documentary-makers and fans alike flock to this Washington, D.C., suburb for what Variety has characterized as "non-fiction nirvana." The festival, founded by the Discovery Channel and the American Film Institute, screens more than 100 films. "It has become a major hub for documentaries," Edwards says. (The late-April Hot Docs festival in Toronto plays a similar role in Canada). June 19-23. silverdocs.com

Hamptons International Film Festival

East Hampton, N.Y.

You'll find plenty of New York-based actors, filmmakers and celebrities at this swanky beach town festival, now in its 21st year. "They always get really big films. They want premieres," Skerbelis says. About 100 movies, including several bound for the Oscars, screen at the event. Oct. 10-14. 631-747-7978; hamptonsfilmfest.org

Atlantic Film Festival

Halifax, Nova Scotia

For more than 30 years, this gathering in the historic Atlantic Coast city has not only engaged audiences, but attracted 200 film industry players. Movies come from Atlantic Canada and around the world. "It's a major conference for industry movers and shakers," Edwards says. And all that firepower makes for exciting post-film discussion panels. Sept. 12-19. atlanticfilm.com

Seattle International Film Festival

Seattle

This huge festival attracts more than 150,000 attendees during its nearly month-long run - May 16-June 9 this year. The lineup includes more than 270 features and 185 shorts, many of which are shown more than once. "Seattle is a film-loving city," Edwards says. "They have had a lot of winners who have gone on to great things." 206-464-5830; Siff.net

Heartland Film Festival

Indianapolis

Organizers seek out uplifting films that promote positive change for this 23-year-old festival, which has a national following. "A lot of film festivals are quite provocative. This is a wholesome film festival. It's a good place to bring your family," Edwards says. Oct.17-26; 317-464-9405; trulymovingpictures.org